|
Twenty-one yers ago an avid sailor and member of the Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club had an idea for a unique race in the Gulf of Mexico.Dr.Richard LaGrua brought his proposal to the club's yachting committee and after getting the green light for his idea,he started making plans for it.
He began by calling it the Morgan Invasion that would feature only vessels designed or built by Charley Morgan.He sought out a sponsor,Seagrams Morgan Spiced Rum,an appropriate partner in the endeavor.In later years many yacht club members,local businesses and the city of Treasure Island pitched in to help fund the highly sucessful race.
Charley and Sally Morgan had been the most enthusiastic and gracious sponsors of the annual event.Unfortunately Sally pases away some years ago but is remembered fondly by all the Morganeers.The Morgan owners have always looked forward to visiting Charley who continues to be actively involved.They enjoy reminiscing about the memorable sailing events that they were involved in.
Dr.Lagrua insisted that the race be a fun event,and that it include Morgan owners who have never raced before,as well as encouraging the experienced Morgan skipers to participate.He banned the use of spinnakers and allowed no protests.He urged the boaters to bring thierchildren and dogs and cats along for the weekend.Over the years,the race has attracted Morgan owners from all over the country,including many who couldnt bring thier boats to the event but came for the festivities anyway.
In addition to trophies being awarded to the winners in the various classes,prizes are given out to the crews dressed in the best pirate costumes.Another award is given to the Morgan vessel that is considered the most ship-shape by a specialist that inspects each boat that is entered in the race.There are also memorial trophies awarded each year.
Traditionally,the race was held annually on the first weekend in October.However,it was decided in 2004 to change the date and schedule it for April 16 in 2005.The change was made in order to avoid the hurricane season every fall.2004 was particularly bad with four storms hitting Florida destroying or damaging marinas,yacht clubs and vessels.Although Tampa Bay was spared devastation,hundreds of sailors ere unable to attend because of damage in thier areas.
The festivities begin with Dockmaster Les Lathrop rafting the vessels in the club marina all day and evening on Friday.Registration takes place in the afternoon and into the evening.A poolside casual meal is available as well as entertainment throughout the evening.
The dockmaster breaks up the raft-up shortly after daybreak,and the racers head out to the gulf for the late morning start.Following the race,the boaters return for more poolside recreation and another casual buffet.Later in the evening,the awards ceremony takes place.
The weather has always been a factor for previous races because we were still in the midst of the hurricane season.We've had some great weekends,but we've had some that scared off all but the hardiest of sailors.We hope that the April date will provide us with fair winds and sunshine.
If you havnet done the Morgan Invasion and have a Morgan I suggest you try getting over to do it!It really is a weekend of fun and comraderie.
|
